Philippines to turn
over 2 Chinese diplomats who shot dead Chinese consulate staff in CebuBy Michaela del
Callar
MANILA, Oct. 22 (PNA) -- The Philippine government will turn over to
China the custody of two Chinese diplomats who shot dead two staff members
of the Chinese consulate in Cebu and seriously wounded the post’s Consul
General, citing their right to diplomatic immunity.

Armed with a .45-caliber pistol, Li Qing Ling, 60, and his wife, Consul Gou
Jing, barged into Lighthouse Restaurant in Cebu City Wednesday and shot
Consul General Song Rong Hua and his deputy consul Sun Shan and finance
officers Hui Li. Sun and Hui were killed, while Song survived the shooting.

“They enjoy diplomatic immunity. Custody will be given to the Chinese side
and they will undergo the legal process in China,” Foreign Affairs spokesman
Charles Jose said Thursday at a media briefing.

A security team from Beijing will arrive in Manila anytime to secure custody
of the two diplomats, Jose said.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown, Jose said, adding that the two
can not be compelled by Philippine authorities to speak as they are not
covered by the country’s criminal jurisdiction. Jose explained that the two
enjoy immunity from receiving state's criminal laws under the 1961 Vienna
Convention on Diplomatic Relations and under the 2009 Consular Agreement
between Manila and Beijing.

“They are diplomats accredited to the Philippines so they enjoy diplomatic
immunity,” he added.

In the meantime, the Chinese embassy in Manila and consulate in Cebu have
been extending their full cooperation with Philippine authorities regarding
the investigation, Jose said.

Upon the request of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the couple will remain
under the supervision of Cebu police.

“As soon as their security team from Beijing arrives here we will turn over
the custody to the Chinese side,” Jose said. (PNA)